Nicholas Bleecker, Jr.

Nicholas Bleecker, Jr. was born in September 1702. He was the son of Albany mainstays Johannes and Anna Coster Bleecker. He was known as "Nicholas Bleecker, Jr." to prevent confusion with a bachelor uncle. Nicholas Jr. grew up in a prominent businessman's home on Pearl Street in the midst of a large extended family. His father had been appointed mayor of Albany in 1701.

In April 1728, he married Margarita Roseboom at the Albany Dutch church. By 1748, seven of their children had been christened in Albany where he was a regular baptism sponsor.

These Bleeckers also lived in the second ward where Nicholas was a merchant and also served in municipal offices culminating in his election as alderman in 1743. He was an active member of the Commissioners of Indian Affairs and a contractor of the city. In 1742, he was identified as a freeholder of Albany.